This was my first visit to the two-story French restaurant overlooking the Boston Public Garden. Truthfully, I prefer the decor of its predecessor, Excelsior, but the food and service here could not be faulted. 
Zagat describes Bistro du Midi as serving “classic” Provençal cuisine enlivened with “modern presentation”. I’m not exactly sure what that means but the food certainly was beautifully presented as you can see from the first courses served: Deconstructed Soft Shell Crab – $17; Tuna Tartare – $16; Beef Tartare $15; and Grilled Octopus $18, which I devoured.
I really enjoyed the sea bass filet ($32) shown below, which happened to be one of the special dinners prepared by the kitchen that night. The fish was beautifully presented with half the plate pristine and the other dusted with herbs and spices over a filet that was cooked perfectly and very flavorful.
Although I rarely get dessert, Bistro du Midi is known for their souffle, which takes 25 minutes to prepare so is encouraged to be ordered ahead of time. The four of us ended up ordering two different souffles ($12 each) as well as their chocolate beignet, lavender crème for $9. The souffle’s were consumed so quickly you may not have realized they were even served but for the evidence of the empty ramekins. The beignets were sufficiently decadent but it was the aromatic and flavorful lavender crème that I enjoyed the most about the dessert.
Dinner which included an appetizer, dinner and dessert along with a glass of wine worked out to approximately $75 / person with tip. This isn’t the sort of place that I can go to regularly, but if you enjoy French cuisine and are looking for an option in the Back Bay to splurge, I’d suggest it for your consideration.
Bistro du Midi is in the Heritage on the Green Building at 272 Boylston Street.
BosGuy 